Naples Port Recommendations

[luha]

Are there a lot of tour operators in the port? I heard there were a lot of taxis. We are thinking of definitely covering Amalfi Coast, and we hear Capri is overrated. Is Pompeii worth seeing? Definitely do not want to spend $$$$$ on pricey cruise excursions - would appreciate recommendations. Thanks In advance.

 

p.s. Where can we get the best pizza?

[jstducky]

Is Pompeii worth seeing?

 

 

That's a loaded question depending on what your interests are.

 

Some people will tell you that it's an ABSOLUTE MUST, others will say no.

 

If you are someone who is interseted in seeing ruins, enjoy the history aspect of it all, then you will appreciate Pompeii for what it was - a one-time port town that was absolutely wiped off the map and buried in volcanic ash by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

 

There are some really well preserved buildings, artifcats, mosaics, frescoes, etc. You can even see plaster casts of residents in the city who didn't escape in time and died right there in the city.

 

However, if that type of thing doesn't interest you, then you may not enjoy Pompeii and it may be more worthwhile for you to visit one of the little towns on the Amalfi Coast such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, etc.

 

Regardless of what you end up doing from Naples, just be aware that it's going to be expensive. It's difficult to drive down the Amalfi coast on a tour (ship or private) that isn't going to cost a good amount of $$$. Some won't cost as much as others (private vs ship), but that by no means means it's cheap.

[CintiPam]

Regardless of what you end up doing from Naples, just be aware that it's going to be expensive. It's difficult to drive down the Amalfi coast on a tour (ship or private) that isn't going to cost a good amount of $$$. Some won't cost as much as others (private vs ship), but that by no means means it's cheap.

 

If you want to see Pompeii, take the Circumvesuviana train to 50 yards from its entrance for just a few Euros, not expensive at all. We spent five hours there last month, taking this train from our port of Sorrento. Ask for the free booklet at Pompeii, very detailed (many use it for the audio tour), and you can have a wonderful visit at a reasonable price.

 

Yes, a private tour of the Amalfi coast is expensive, but find a few others on your roll call, and you can have a private drive wherever you want for less than 150 Euros for an amazing day. (We also did that, a private tour, on our second port day last month, from Amalfi.)

[nparmelee]

Pizza - many in Naples will tell you the best is Da Michele, it was good and only 4 euros (only 2 kinds), but not necessarily the best we had in Italy. Its about a 10 minutes walk from the Garibaldi train station. The TI office will tell you how to get there.

 

If you only have one day in this area, posting your times in port can be critical. Some ships stop there for 12 hours or so, some for less. In the case of less than 12 hours, you really need to prioritize what you want to do. The train to Pompeii Scavi stop will take about half an hour, they run every 20-30 minutes. Going with a taxi from the port is an option, but if only 2 of you could cost as much or more than sharing a private tour with others from your roll call.

[chipmaster]

Are there a lot of tour operators in the port? I heard there were a lot of taxis. We are thinking of definitely covering Amalfi Coast, and we hear Capri is overrated. Is Pompeii worth seeing? Definitely do not want to spend $$$$$ on pricey cruise excursions - would appreciate recommendations. Thanks In advance.

 

p.s. Where can we get the best pizza?

 

Pompeii is unique. Different from the ruins at Acropolis, Ephesus. Almost everyone in our group liked it even our kids who had already seen too much ruins. Its a big place and is hot in the summer, go early as you can to avoid the crowds and heat if you are doing it in the summer.

 

Amalfi was spectacular. Ravello, Amalfi, Positano are all very cute and the drives and views are special. Lots of driving, narrow roads, and distance from port really don't make it a DIY or taxi affair IMHO.

 

As another poster said Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento are doable DIY, Amalfi less so.

 

For the best use of time and $ tour share with a private tour is what I'd recommend. This is what we did. I'd avoid the big bus cruise tours at all cost ;)

 

Happy planning

[texancruzer]

I have to jump in here.....

 

it definately depends on what time of year you go as to how much you can do in one day !!!!!

 

We were there our first trip in real late November. We had a private tour and did Pompeii in the morning with a guide (2-1/2 hrs) then went to Ravello, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento. We took the ferry back to Naples from Sorrento and had plenty of time before sail away. We had about an hour on our own in each village with a little more in Amalfi for lunch. We shared the cost with 3 other couples from our roll call.

 

 

Would I try all this is high season (say July) ??? No way. Traffic can vary greatly from season to season. We had none...... no crowds or lines either. Would I do it with a taxi from the port ? NOPE. Our driver was in contact with his office many times throughout the day checking traffic conditions etc. to keep us on schedule and make sure we made the ferry that would give us a nice cushion to get back to the ship. Taxi drivers do not have that luxury.

 

So.... please post when you will be traveling, what your interests are and if you just want to get an overall view of the area or more in depth in one interest or another. It will help ALOT for those to give you advice.

 

ps: dh said the best pizza he ever ate was in Amalfi at a small restaurant right down from the church steps.